Frank Lampard brutally sacked as manager of Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea icon Frank Lampard has been brutally sacked as manager of the powerhouse club after less than two seasons in the role.

Chelsea's head coach Frank Lampard.

Frank Lampard has been sacked as manager of Chelsea Football Club after less than two seasons in the role.

The 42-year-old took charge of the Premier League powerhouse club in 2019, having previously represented Chelsea for 14 years during his playing career.

Lampard spent approximately AU$354 million during the recent off-season in an attempt to bolster Chelsea’s roster.

Watch live coverage from every round of 2020/21 EFL Championship with beIN Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

But after a disappointing start to the 2020/21 season, Chelsea slipped to ninth on the Premier League ladder with eight wins from 19 encounters.

And on Monday evening AEDT, The Telegraph reported that Lampard would be sacked within the next 24 hours.

Chelsea FC confirmed the news in a statement on Monday: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as Head Coach of the club. However, recent results and performances have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.

“There can never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank, but after lengthy deliberation and consideration it was decided a change is needed now to give the club time to improve performances and results this season.”

Lampard was less than 18 months into his three-year contract with Chelsea.

Chelsea's head coach Frank Lampard.

Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich said: “This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.

“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, the Board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as Head Coach and wish him every success in the future. He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”

According to The Telegraph’s report, Lampard will most likely be replaced by former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint Germain manager Thomas Tuchel.

England great Gary Lineker tweeted: “Reports that Frank Lampard will be sacked by @ChelseaFC today. Utterly ludicrous after his first bad run. It was always going to need time given so many new signings feeling their way into a new club. Patience being a virtue is seldom recognised in this sport. They never learn.”

If you hire a club legend like Frank Lampard surely it has to be for the long term? They were on a 14 game unbeaten run just a month back, he brought in the most desired names in Europe but most admirably gave 8 academy players their first team debuts. Chelsea = Exasperating!

— Nicky Crosby (@CrosbyNicky) January 25, 2021

That's two pretty unceremonious Chelsea exists for Frank Lampard #CFC

— Tom Sheen (@Tom_Sheen) January 25, 2021

It would be crazy for Chelsea to sack Lampard, who just got them to top4 finish in his first season in charge. He promoted some excellent talents like Mount and Reece James, together with Hudson-Odoi and made very good signings like Ziyech, Werner and Havertz

— Tal Ofer טל עופר تل عوفر (@TalOfer) January 25, 2021

Reports are right. Frank lost his job this morning. It’s a heartless decision from Chelsea. I know football doesn’t do sentiment or emotion...but Frank had a great last season, this season has had his first tricky spell & he’s gone. Wrong call IMO.

— Jake Humphrey 💙 (@mrjakehumphrey) January 25, 2021

Lampard won three Premier League titles and holds the club’s all-time record for Premier League goals with 147.

On Sunday, Chelsea defeated Championship side Luton 3-1 in the FA Cup, with Tammy Abraham scoring a hat-trick.

During the fixture, Chelsea supporters created a banner which read: “In Frank we trust. Then. Now. Forever.”

The Blues lost their most recent league game 2-0 against Leicester on Tuesday.

Prior to that, Chelsea had edged a nervy win over West London rivals Fulham having been thumped by Manchester City before that.

— with The Sun

Originally published as Frank Lampard brutally sacked as manager of Chelsea Football Club